Batley firmed honoured by firefighters charity

Tom W Beaumont Limited, in Spafield Mills, Batley, joined forces with five other companies four years ago to form the Textile Recycling Association.

The firms collect and distribute second-hand clothing and textiles, with all the money raised being donated to the Fire Fighters Charity.

Staff from the Batley firm travelled to Downing Street to attend the ninth annual Spirit Of Fire awards last Friday.

The group were awarded the Corporate Supporter of the Year gong at the ceremony.

Director Helen May said it was an honour to win the award which was held in high esteem by firefighters.

“We have organised lots of collections, including at schools, to help a great cause,” she said.

“We pay the charity for every kilo of donations we collect and the money funds vital support for the firefighters.”

Operating since 2009, the scheme has seen more than 7,000 tonnes of clothing diverted away from landfill sites.

Kevin Biles, who runs the charity’s recycling scheme, said: “This is a fantastic way to not only raise much needed funds for the charity, but also reduce landfill and help developing countries with the supply of clothing.”